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Youth Plant a Forest Full of Possibilities

“Forests are used as a source of cooking materials like firewood, which are cheaper and in many cases [obtained] at no costs,” said 16-year-old Nalutaaya.

The benefits of two new forests have captured the attention of youth in the Masodde community in Uganda.

“Forests help in giving us fresh air, especially those who live near them because at times it can be so hot, but they help in bringing cool air,” said Mutasingwa, a 14-year-old student at Masodde Muslim School.

The project was made possible by funding and guidance from ChildFund Uganda. ChildFund’s programs are dedicated to serving the needs of infants, children and youth worldwide.

Eight acres of eucalyptus trees and six acres of pine trees line the forest floor providing shade, fresh air, lumber and, it is hoped, a boost for the economy. ChildFund staff, children and their parents initially planted more than 10,000 eucalyptus trees and 5,000 pine trees for the project.

Environmental protection is among the key issues toward improving living conditions in the area. Masodde has seen excessive environmental degradation by humans using the land for fuel, medicine and building materials. The new forests now provide fresh and cool air for the community, as well as help soil erosion.

“Forests provide fresh air when there is too much sunshine,” said Nalubega, a 14-year-old student at St. Andrew Primary School. “Those forests normally contain fresh air, which is always enjoyed by the people around them.”

The trees also serve as a major source of firewood to the community. Many children come to the forest to collect small, dry tree branches and take them home for firewood.

“Forests are used as a source of cooking materials like firewood, which are cheaper and in many cases [obtained] at no costs,” said Nalutaaya, a 16-year-old student at Masodde Muslim Primary School.

The community hopes the forests provide an economic boost as well. ChildFund Uganda staff members say that money will be made by selling timber for firewood and housing projects. Eucalyptus trees, which grow tall and straight, can be sold as electric poles.

“Forests will be a major source of timber, which will be mainly used in house construction, and houses are very important to us,” said Nalubega.

Community members also benefit from the fruits on the trees. In addition, the trees provide a habitat for wild animals such as monkeys and birds.